World Cup Flashback: Gary Lineker and John Barnes soak up the sun at Mexico ’86

The official PA caption for this photograph reads: “England’s John Barnes and Gary Lineker top up their tans by the pool after training.”

Hmmm. I think it’s safe to say that JB’s tan was fairly well topped-up already. And note the bandage on Lineker’s left forearm, an iconic accessory that instantly brings memories flooding back of his poacher’s hat-trick against Poland in the group stage, a match England had to win to progress. Lineker and Peter Beardsley – now that was a world-class partnership.

Shame that Diego Maradona lay in wait two games later (England beat Paraguay 3-0 in the last 16), Hand of God poised…